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Washington Wine Club – November 2009

2006 Fidelitas, Boushey Vineyard Red Wine
The impetus for this wine came not from Fidelitas winemaker Charlie Hoppes, but from the legendary grower Dick Boushey. Dick sells grapes to many elite winemakers, including Bob Betz and Doug McCrea, but he felt Charlie was the right man to make a truly exceptional vineyard blend. All the fruit for this Cabernet-based blend was hand picked and sorted in the vineyard. Charlie then aged it in small oak barrels, both French and American, for 22 months. It’s a big wine, and definitely shows off the soft, luxurious fruit that distinguishes Boushey Vineyard wines. It’s gorgeous now, but will show even more depth and complexity in a couple of years. There is a bit left at $49.75.

2006 Couvillion, Equilibré
In the last year, when customers have asked us where to find great new wineries in Walla Walla, we have unhesitatingly replied, “go north!” Both Dumas Station and Couvillion are located in the area of rolling hills just north of town. Couvillion’s winemaker, Jill Noble, was in the first class of the enology program at Walla Walla Community College and then trained with John Abbott of Abeja and Marie-Eve Gilla of Forgeron. Her training shows in the inaugural vintage of her new blend from Dionysus Vineyard, a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and a generous dollop of rich Petit Verdot (30%). Jill credits the use of used French oak barrels for the velvety smooth mouth feel of all her wines, and that certainly applies to the Equilibré. It displays wonderful aromas of berries, plums, and Bing cherry, with notes of dark chocolate and spice on the palate. Try it with grilled flank steak topped with blue cheese. Ready to drink now, and in good supply, it’s a great value at $29.75.